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Comedy Clubs in New Orleans

The Big Easy calls to mind Mardi Gras, colorful beads and smoking jazz. But this Gulf Coast metropolis is home to some comedy clubs that will leave you laughing your way to your next bowlful of gumbo. Depending on your preference, you can find venues where comedy is a competitive game, or cabaret shows that offer humorous theatrical performances and even comic burlesque.

  1. Improv and Music: La Nuit Comedy Theater

    • Smile! You're at a Comedy Club!

      For a literal battle of wits, try one of the dueling improv comedy teams at La Nuit Comedy Theater, voted best comedy venue by local readers in Where Y'At Magazine for the past three years in a row. In addition to watching teams of World Comedy League-certified laughmeisters, La Nuit also offers classes in improvisation as well as camps for kids. If your funny bone needs a rest, they also feature live music in the adjacent Box Office Bar.

      La Nuit Comedy Theater
      5039 Freret St.
      New Orleans, LA 70117
      504-231-7011
      lanuittheater.com

    Competition: National Comedy Company

    • Two venues, one early, one late, no mask required.

      The National Comedy Company also takes a competitive approach, but only on Saturday nights. Two teams of comedians trained in the official ComedySportz mode (specific games, suggestions from the audience, points, and an actual winner) take the stage at numerous locations around the city. This nomadic group moves around, so depending on your time frame and age, you can choose one of two locations. At the Shadowbox Theatre (located in an up-and-coming edgy section of town), you'll find the early show. At the popular Yo Mama's Bar and Grill, you'll find the over-21 crowd and some more adult humor.

      Shadowbox Theater (early show: 7 p.m.)
      2400 St. Claude Ave.
      New Orleans, 70117
      504-523-7469

      Yo Mama's (late show: 10 p.m.)
      727 St. Peter St.
      New Orleans, LA 7011
      504-522-1125
      nationalcomedycompany.com

    Come to the Cabaret: Le Chat Noir

    • If you're feeling adventurous, you could cross the path of the black cat, or Le Chat Noir. This comedy club features the occasional traditional stand-up comic, but also mixes in theatrical presentations. Recently, the club hosted a political satire about the Katrina recovery as well as Gutenburg! The Musical. Burlesque is featured on occasion, and the shows change regularly, so call for reservations.

      Le Chat Noir
      715 St. Charles St.
      New Orleans, LA 70117
      504-581-5812
      cabaretlechatnoir.com

    Brown Improv at the Zeitgeist

    • Join the crowd and laugh at the Brown Improv group.

      Brown Improv bills itself as New Orleans' "longest running improv," and it's been going strong for 16 years. Its current home is at the Zeitgeist Theatre and shows are at 10 p.m. Saturdays only. According to those who've seen the shows, they include "craziness, new games, twists on old games, wagers, razors and dresses." It's a different show every week, although the cast for the most part remains the same week to week. YouTube videos are available if you'd like a preview before booking a seat.

      Brown Improv at the Zeitgeist
      1618 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd.
      New Orleans, LA 70113
      brownimprovcomedy.com

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